Who's eggs are they!??

[newchickmom]

I have 22 hens (16 australorps and 6 BOs), all over a year old and 23 delaware pullets not laying yet. Most of the girls lay their eggs while I'm at work and I am only getting anywhere between 6 and 14 eggs a day! (I have several big girls that are still molting)

Is there any way to be able to tell which hens are laying??
How long after molt till they start laying again?

 

[cmom]

When my birds go through a heavy molt they sometimes quit laying for 3/4 weeks mol. When they go through a mini molt they slow down but still lay 2/3 mol eggs a week.

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
There are ways to tell with older hens that don't involve the hassles of trap nesting. Most have to do with the pelvic bones spreading and bleaching of the skin around eyes, ears beak and legs.

Trap nesting is the utmost in reliability, but it is a bother. Since you work and are away from the flock most of the day, it isn't really practical for you.

Here are some prominent characteristics of good layers:

Vent - Bleached, large, oval, moist
Eye Ring - Bleached
Beak - Bleached or bleaching
Shanks - Pale yellow to white, thin and flat
Body - Deep ( I call this "fit with pontoons")
Plumage - Worn, dry, soiled
Carriage - Active and alert
Comb - Deep red, full, waxy
Wattles - Large, prominent
Vent - Large, moist
Abdomen - Full, soft, velvety, pliable
Pubic Bones - Flexible, wide apart.

Source: "Culling for High Egg Production," Vermont Agricultural Extension Service, circular 115RU

Post molting laying can vary. Some start right away, others take weeks, even months. Much depends on the individual bird. Those who enter the molt earlier than the others will likely linger through it and take longer to restart. The above cited circular recommends such birds be culled, as they hinder egg production and pass this undesirable trait to their young.